International Law and Human Rights

Programme Description:

The Master’s Degree in International Law and Human Rights at the University for Peace offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical considerations necessary to address complex challenges in the fields of international law and human rights. The programme is aimed at professionals, practitioners, and aspiring specialists committed to promoting justice, equity, and sustainable peace worldwide. Throughout the programme, students will explore fundamental concepts of international legal frameworks, treaties, and conventions, as well as contemporary issues such as humanitarian law, refugee rights, gender equality, and the protection of vulnerable groups. The curriculum integrates theoretical perspectives with practical applications, encouraging critical thinking and innovative approaches to legal and human rights challenges in diverse cultural and socio-political contexts.

Students will engage with case studies, participate in simulations, and collaborate on project work to develop their analytical and policymaking skills. The programme emphasizes the importance of human rights-based approaches in international law and encourages students to consider the ethical dimensions of legal practice. Interdisciplinary coursework covers topics such as international criminal law, the role of international organizations, conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and the enforcement of human rights standards. Graduates of this programme will be well-prepared to work in governmental institutions, NGOs, international organizations, and the private sector, engaging in advocacy, policy development, legal advising, and fieldwork.

The University for Peace's commitment to education for peace and sustainable development ensures a learning environment that fosters dialogue, mutual understanding, and respect for diversity. The programme offers flexible learning options, including on-site and online courses, enabling students from around the world to participate. Upon completion, graduates will receive a recognized master's degree that opens opportunities for meaningful contributions to the advancement of international justice and human rights, making a positive impact on global peace efforts.

• UPEACE Foundation Course
• Public International Law
• Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation
• The United Nations System
• International Human Rights Law 
• Universal System for Protection of Human Rights
• International Law Related to Armed Conflict
• The Kurds between Past and Present Genocides in Iraq: Fresh Hopes or New Tragedies?
• Globalization and Human Rights
• Regional Mechanisms for Human Rights Protection
• Counter-terrorism and Human Rights
• Human Rights Reporting, Monitoring, and Evaluation
• Protection of Refugees
• International Labour Law
• The Right to Peace
• Indigenous Peoples' Rights 
• Working in Conflict and Post-Conflict Areas - Field Training
• Technology and Human Rights
• Graduation Project: ISP-Thesis

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Required Supporting Documents to be Uploaded:

• English Proficiency Test Scores Report (TOEFL, IELTS)
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Official Undergraduate (Bachelor's Degree) Transcripts and Degree Certificate
• Curriculum Vitae or Résumé
• UPEACE Acknowledgment of Financial Responsibility
• Copy of Passport (front page with photo only)
• Passport size photo

The online application only requires electronic (PDF) scans of required documents. Should admission be granted, the following documents will be eventually be required in official hard copy:

• English Proficiency Test Scores Report (TOEFL, IELTS) - if applicable
• Official Undergraduate Transcripts and Degree Certificate (and English translations if applicable)
• Six passport size photos

Upon submission of the on-line application form and supporting uploaded documents, the UPEACE Admissions system will send an automatic confirmation email. The date and time of submission will be noted in the system. Applications received after the established relevant deadline will be transferred for the subsequent academic year.

Each application received by the established deadline will be reviewed for completeness. A second acknowledgment will be sent to the applicant by the Admissions Officer informing whether or not the application is complete and able to be passed on for academic review.

We are not able to provide any information about the status of applicants over the phone or to third parties. Information will only be provided using the email entered by the applicant in the on-line application form.

Statement of purpose

The statement of purpose must be between 500 and 1,000 words and state the applicants name, the programme to which they are applying, and clear responses to the following questions:

• Why have you decided to apply to this programme?
• What are your expectations from this programme?
• What are your career plans after completing this programme?
• What type of multicultural exchanges have you had that would inform your academic experience in this programme?

Letters of recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required for all applicants. The letters should be from faculty or academic advisors from your academic experience or managers or other superiors from a professional work environment who are qualified to evaluate applicant's potential for graduate study. The letters need to include the referees title, their relation to, and how long they've known the applicant. The letters should also outline specific examples of applicant's work and why the referee feels the applicant is a fit for the specific UPEACE programme.

Examples of valid referees or recommenders are:

• Faculty, deans, or professors
• Academic advisors
• Immediate supervisors
• Research project managers
• Mentors in a superior position in the workplace, volunteer, or University setting

Tution and administrative fees: 19500 USD

Conditions of UPEACE Scholarships & Financial Assistance

The prospective applicant has to be admitted to UPEACE in order to receive any possibility of financial assistance from the University, the latter of which is subject to the following conditions:

• The financial assistance awarded is non-negotiable.
• The scholarships/waivers do not apply to the US$ 2,500 administrative fee. This fee is mandatory for all students and is non-refundable if the student wishes to withdraw from UPEACE before completing his/her degree. Admitted students must comply with this financial obligation to UPEACE according to the required deadline outlined in their official admissions documents.
• Applicant are only eligible for one waiver category per application period. Waiver categories cannot be combined.
• Applicants eligible for a 50% waiver must apply directly through the UPEACE Admissions Office.

Automatic Scholarships/Waivers

30% Tuition Waiver (Automatic)

Available to M.A. and Doctorate students that meet one of the following criteria:

• Citizen or nationals of a signatory state to the UPEACE Charter
• Students who have received an undergraduate or graduate degree from a partner university
• Peace Corps veterans

50% Tuition Waiver (Automatic) 

Available to M.A. and Doctorate students that meet one of the following criteria:

• Professors from a partner university
• Costa Rican citizens and residents (host country)
• Current, full-time UN employees and volunteers
• Documented refugee or asylee

30% or 50% Tuition Waiver (Merit Based) - Available to Master's applicants who do not belong to the above categories. These waivers are offered in limited number and will be awarded by merit, not financial condition. These waivers are not available to doctorate students.

The Master of Arts in International Law and Human Rights at the University for Peace (UPEACE) is a comprehensive graduate program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of international legal frameworks and the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, blending legal studies with humanitarian, political, and social perspectives to prepare graduates for effective engagement in international advocacy, policy-making, and legal practice. Students explore key themes including international humanitarian law, institutional mechanisms for human rights enforcement, refugee law, humanitarian intervention, and global justice issues. The curriculum typically includes core courses, electives, and a research component, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for addressing complex global challenges.

UPEACE's strong emphasis on experiential learning ensures that students participate in simulations, internships, and fieldwork that provide practical insights into the functioning of international organizations such as the United Nations and non-governmental organizations. The program also promotes cross-cultural understanding and encourages students to develop innovative solutions for human rights violations and international legal disputes. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to work in various sectors, including international courts, NGOs, governmental agencies, and research institutions, contributing to the development and enforcement of international law and the advancement of human rights globally. The program's multidisciplinary approach and emphasis on ethical leadership make it a distinctive choice for those committed to making a positive impact in international society.